Published: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:36 a.m.

Nicholls State coach Charlie Stubbs has seen it, but just not enough of it from his football team.

What Stubbs has seen throughout the 2012 season is a team that has had spurts of good play, leading him to believe things are getting better.

What Stubbs is not seeing is enough consistency from his team that has led to a school-record 13 consecutive Southland Conference losses.

The Colonels get one final chance to end their conference losing streak this season when they host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 p.m. Thursday at John L. Guidry Stadium.

The game is also the River Bell Classic with the winner receiving the River Bell Trophy. SLU won last year's game, 31-14 in Hammond.

For the losing streak to end, the Colonels (1-8, 0-6) have to put those spurts of good play into a collective effort.

Stubbs said the frustrating part is knowing his team can play better, but he is not seeing it on the field.

"We do have our moments when we play extremely well for periods of time where we play well. The frustrating part is we don't sustain it," Stubbs said. "We will basically have something come out of nowhere and stop a drive. Also on defense, there are times when we need a play to stop a drive and can't make that play. I have seen this season periods of time where we look as competitive as any team in the conference. That is what is so frustrating because I know it is there."

Nicholls showed spurts of good play in its 34-24 loss to Lamar last week.

The Colonels trailed 20-3 at halftime only to make it a 20-17 game with two third-quarter touchdowns.

With backup quarterback Caleb Berry running Lamar's offense, the Cardinals responded with a 90-yard scoring drive that saw them convert several third-down situations. The drive killed any momentum the Colonels had and propelled Lamar to the 10-point win.

Stubbs said getting off the field on third down has been an issue for his defense but the problem can be solved by the players on the field.

"I know the effort and desire is there. It just comes down to making a play. People always attribute making a play on offense, but it also needs to be done on the defense," Stubbs said. "You know one defensive player can stop a drive with a pass rush or a forced fumble. We have had opportunities when quarterbacks throw the ball right to us, but we don't make the interception. (Defense) is the difference in winning in the Southland. We know there are some good offenses, but everyone makes mistakes. With a good defense you can overcome mistakes because you can shut them down."

The Lions rushed for 278 yards on 53 carries in the win, as Xavier Roberson and Rasheed Harrell each went over the 100-yard mark. Roberson finished with 117 yards on 21 carries and two scores, while Harrell had 151 yards.

Lions first-year coach Ron Roberts said beating the Colonels would give his team a sweep against the Louisiana conference teams. Also a win over the Colonels would give the Lions a fifth Southland Conference win, which has never happened before for the program.

"We have a quick turnaround to play a rivalry game. I know they haven't had much success, so this is a big game for them and it could make their season," Roberts said. "For us, we are not going to the playoffs, so this is our bowl game. This is our chance to get five wins in the Southland, so there is a lot on the table for us to play for. It is a chance to sweep the Louisiana teams which would be great for recruiting."

While Roberts is looking toward recruiting, the Colonels are just looking to get a conference win on Saturday. Stubbs said if his team can turn its spurts of good play into a consistent effort, that would be a sign that things are starting to change for the better.

"If we can go out and run the ball and get our passing game going and finish drives. I really believe our defense can feed off our offense. If we can score (quick) it would give the defense hope to go out and make a play," Stubbs said. "I know it is a challenge, but I also know that we are capable of playing four quarters of good football. I would like to see it for our seniors and for our fans. They need to see that we are heading in a positive direction."

<p>Nicholls State coach Charlie Stubbs has seen it, but just not enough of it from his football team.</p><p>What Stubbs has seen throughout the 2012 season is a team that has had spurts of good play, leading him to believe things are getting better.</p><p>What Stubbs is not seeing is enough consistency from his team that has led to a school-record 13 consecutive Southland Conference losses.</p><p>The Colonels get one final chance to end their conference losing streak this season when they host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 p.m. Thursday at John L. Guidry Stadium.</p><p>The game is also the River Bell Classic with the winner receiving the River Bell Trophy. SLU won last year's game, 31-14 in Hammond. </p><p>For the losing streak to end, the Colonels (1-8, 0-6) have to put those spurts of good play into a collective effort.</p><p>Stubbs said the frustrating part is knowing his team can play better, but he is not seeing it on the field.</p><p>"We do have our moments when we play extremely well for periods of time where we play well. The frustrating part is we don't sustain it," Stubbs said. "We will basically have something come out of nowhere and stop a drive. Also on defense, there are times when we need a play to stop a drive and can't make that play. I have seen this season periods of time where we look as competitive as any team in the conference. That is what is so frustrating because I know it is there."</p><p>Nicholls showed spurts of good play in its 34-24 loss to Lamar last week.</p><p>The Colonels trailed 20-3 at halftime only to make it a 20-17 game with two third-quarter touchdowns.</p><p>With backup quarterback Caleb Berry running Lamar's offense, the Cardinals responded with a 90-yard scoring drive that saw them convert several third-down situations. The drive killed any momentum the Colonels had and propelled Lamar to the 10-point win.</p><p>Stubbs said getting off the field on third down has been an issue for his defense but the problem can be solved by the players on the field.</p><p>"I know the effort and desire is there. It just comes down to making a play. People always attribute making a play on offense, but it also needs to be done on the defense," Stubbs said. "You know one defensive player can stop a drive with a pass rush or a forced fumble. We have had opportunities when quarterbacks throw the ball right to us, but we don't make the interception. (Defense) is the difference in winning in the Southland. We know there are some good offenses, but everyone makes mistakes. With a good defense you can overcome mistakes because you can shut them down."</p><p>Stephen F. Austin has trouble shutting down Southeastern Louisiana (4-6, 4-2) in a 42-27 Lions' win.</p><p>The Lions rushed for 278 yards on 53 carries in the win, as Xavier Roberson and Rasheed Harrell each went over the 100-yard mark. Roberson finished with 117 yards on 21 carries and two scores, while Harrell had 151 yards.</p><p>Lions first-year coach Ron Roberts said beating the Colonels would give his team a sweep against the Louisiana conference teams. Also a win over the Colonels would give the Lions a fifth Southland Conference win, which has never happened before for the program.</p><p>"We have a quick turnaround to play a rivalry game. I know they haven't had much success, so this is a big game for them and it could make their season," Roberts said. "For us, we are not going to the playoffs, so this is our bowl game. This is our chance to get five wins in the Southland, so there is a lot on the table for us to play for. It is a chance to sweep the Louisiana teams which would be great for recruiting."</p><p>While Roberts is looking toward recruiting, the Colonels are just looking to get a conference win on Saturday. Stubbs said if his team can turn its spurts of good play into a consistent effort, that would be a sign that things are starting to change for the better.</p><p>"If we can go out and run the ball and get our passing game going and finish drives. I really believe our defense can feed off our offense. If we can score (quick) it would give the defense hope to go out and make a play," Stubbs said. "I know it is a challenge, but I also know that we are capable of playing four quarters of good football. I would like to see it for our seniors and for our fans. They need to see that we are heading in a positive direction."</p>